Category Archives: Top Stories

Bloomington to close Eastview Church encampment

Bloomington to close Eastview Church encampment

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – The City of Bloomington has announced it will close the unhoused encampment in Eastview Christian Church’s parking lot. It will partner with Eastview, Home Sweet Home Ministries, and the Salvation Army to offer support to the unhoused people in the camp. In addition to the closure, the city council will consider…MORE

Ironmen take home 30th annual Chili Bowl victory over Normal West in Week 2

Ironmen take home 30th annual Chili Bowl victory over Normal West in Week 2

By Jake Fogal NORMAL – The 30th edition of the Chili Bowl went the way of the Normal Community Ironmen for the second year and a row, as NCHS beatdown Normal West 48-7. The connection between quarterback Kyle Beaty and receiver Mar’Quan Gary was on display early in the game, as the duo put up…MORE

East St. Louis forum to tackle persistent childhood poverty 

East St. Louis forum to tackle persistent childhood poverty 

Illinois has the potential to eradicate childhood poverty, but it will require a concentrated, sustained effort in partnership with families and disadvantaged communities, says Tasha Green Cruzat, president of Children’s Advocates for Change, a Chicago-based nonprofit focused on childhood wellbeing.MORE

Two teens arrested for weapons charges in Bloomington

Two teens arrested for weapons charges in Bloomington

By WMBD-TV BLOOMINGTON – Two teenagers have been arrested and taken to the McLean County Juvenile Detention Center in connection with a shots fired incident from Thursday. According to Bloomington police, officers were sent to the intersection of Washington and Howard streets at about 3:15 p.m. Thursday after several people called, saying they heard gunshots.…MORE

McLean and Tazewell Counties dealing with positive West Nile Virus tests

McLean and Tazewell Counties dealing with positive West Nile Virus tests

By WMBD-TV & Jake Fogal CENTRAL ILLINOIS – The McLean County Health Department reported that more mosquitos have tested positive for the West Nile virus in the county this week. According to the health department, the positive test came from a mosquito pool located just east of Bloomington in the 61705 ZIP code. This is…MORE

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…